I finally got myself a new set up look! I've been in the works for this since the beginning of summer. I almost bought a Hoerboard, but by the time the customizations were done I wasn't thrilled with the price, nor the overall look and practical function of constant set up and breakdown, being able to adjust wires, etc. I found someone local looking to take this project on, as he makes custom cases and coffins and understands the practical aspect of it. We went through a number of prototypes, and did a lot of customizing since August to get it just right. The look never really changed much with one exception, but the way the wires ran, the placement of the laptop stands, the road cases that actually wheel them in and such were always making minor improvements. For those curious about the wiring, the other side of the podium is exposed with shelves and pass through holes for wiring from the coffin all the way down. The front of the booth has a magnetic white cover, so that if someone ever needs an audio feed, or a wire needs to be changed, I can pull out the front cover and slide the controller forward to reach the back. I got a lot of compliments this weekend bringing it out, and I loved the overall appearance. There are going to be certain situations where this wont be practical and I get that, but the white coffin works as a standalone unit as well and can always go back to my old school look as well.
I know I am not the first to do this, but I am one of the few, and the reason I personally chose to go this route is because of the fact that I want to bring the focus back to the djing and the art of mixing. Not to hide behind a wall where people think one just presses play and doesn't do anything creatively. I'm a dj who is constantly moving and doing something and not the type to ever kinda just stand around. My mixing incorporates a lot of the tools on the controller including the platters, frequency knobs, effect knobs, etc and it's not unusual to have people watching me and recording me with their phones as I djd. I also feel that I'm connected better with the crowd like this, and in the crowd, as opposed to hiding between a barrier. The lighting and other controls go behind me with the facade hiding those. The bride and groom thought it was really cool last night, and loved how I "always have the hottest setups".
Let me know your thoughts.
I know I am not the first to do this, but I am one of the few, and the reason I personally chose to go this route is because of the fact that I want to bring the focus back to the djing and the art of mixing. Not to hide behind a wall where people think one just presses play and doesn't do anything creatively. I'm a dj who is constantly moving and doing something and not the type to ever kinda just stand around. My mixing incorporates a lot of the tools on the controller including the platters, frequency knobs, effect knobs, etc and it's not unusual to have people watching me and recording me with their phones as I djd. I also feel that I'm connected better with the crowd like this, and in the crowd, as opposed to hiding between a barrier. The lighting and other controls go behind me with the facade hiding those. The bride and groom thought it was really cool last night, and loved how I "always have the hottest setups".
Let me know your thoughts.